Editor, The Times

As a reader who appreciates the high caliber of information provided by
The Times, I was aghast at the arbitrary advice and harmful messages
promulgated by Dr. Thomas Stuttaford in his Medical Briefing column of
May 21, 1997 (#When Breast is No Longer Best for the Loving Mother
and Child# ).

Worldwide, hundreds of organizations (the World Health Organization
and UNICEF, to name but two) and thousands  of health professionals
are committed to extending the duration of breastfeeding -- and six
months is considered the minimum for #starters.# Research has shown,
and public health policy is promoting, that the healthiest option for
children is breastfeeding for two years or more. Indeed, this has been
the #norm# from the beginning of time. It is only in this century that we
have come to accept breastfeeding for less than six months as
commonplace.

There are abundant studies and research that disprove all of Dr.
Stuttaford#s assertions regarding breastfeeding for less than six months.
I will not include them here, for they are readily available to anyone who
will spend a few minutes doing a literature search. Let it be stated,
however, that scientific evidence affirms that babies who are breastfed
beyond six months have much lower rates of gastroenteritis, middle ear
infections, and pneumonia; and it is believed these children have
heightened protection from developing Crohn#s disease, childhood
lymphomas, asthma and juvenile onset diabetes (to name but a few).  It is
interesting to note that the immunities provided in human milk increase in
concentration as the child matures and takes in less volume of milk. This,
alone, has important implications for children who are increasingly
exposed to illnesses through group care when parents return to
employment.

Lactation is not a form of infirmity or stress for the mother, but is the
natural postpartum state. Research shows breastfeeding is a healthy
choice for women. Breastfeeding for at least six months correlates with
a decreased risk of breast cancer, and some studies suggest similar
reduced rates for ovarian cancers. Research has not born out the
concerns regarding lactation contributing to osteoporosis; indeed, it
suggests that lactation may actually be protective against it.

As to Dr. Stuttaford#s suggestions that breastfeeding thwarts the growth
of independence, those who study child development cite the opposite.
Having one#s needs met increases a child#s ability to separate from
mother. Those children who feel a deficit in their nurturing are the ones
who have increased dependency needs.  As for his suggestion that
breastfeeding impinges on the marital relationship I can only suggest that
he make it a point to talk to families where children are breastfed for two
years or more. I think he would find his views are not valid.

I also think Dr. Stuttaford owes Pamela Armstrong an apology. The title of
his column, and the reference to her personal situation, implies a toxic
quality to her love. Indeed, I think it is Dr. Stuttaford who is doing the most
harm!

Margery Wilson, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Medical Department
Cambridge, MA 02139